The Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut, Bishop Elias Audi, led a poignant Christmas service on Monday, deploring the lack of humanity among world leaders in the face of the killing of civilians in the raging Gaza war, in its third month.
"I raise a prayer for the entire world to understand that the message of the Lord's birth is a call for peace, humility, and love. May world leaders heed this message, ending hatred, war, and destruction, especially in the land of Christ's birth, Palestine," Audi said at St. George Cathedral in Beirut.
He added: "How does the world watch the genocide of people, the killing of children, the destruction of a country, and the demolition of hospitals and schools as if it were watching a show? Where is humanity in what is happening on the land blessed by the incarnation of Christ?"
Audi then expressed concern about developments in the region and Lebanon, drawing a parallel between silence in the face of global atrocities and the absence of a president for over a year in Lebanon.
Questioning the conscience of Lebanese political leaders, he said: "The state is collapsing, citizens suffer, and the administration's paralysis reflects negatively on people's lives, causing Lebanon's image to decline further.”
He urged “hope in God alone,” stressing the need for divine intervention to bring salvation and stability to Lebanon.
Audi prayed for all those suffering globally and specifically mentioned two abducted bishops, Paul and Yohanna, appealing to God for their safe return.
Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo Paul Yazigi and Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syriac Orthodox Church were kidnapped 10 years ago while seeking the release of two abducted priests. The incident occurred on April 22, 2013, when the two clerics were attacked by unidentified armed men.
"I raise a prayer for the entire world to understand that the message of the Lord's birth is a call for peace, humility, and love. May world leaders heed this message, ending hatred, war, and destruction, especially in the land of Christ's birth, Palestine," Audi said at St. George Cathedral in Beirut.
He added: "How does the world watch the genocide of people, the killing of children, the destruction of a country, and the demolition of hospitals and schools as if it were watching a show? Where is humanity in what is happening on the land blessed by the incarnation of Christ?"
Audi then expressed concern about developments in the region and Lebanon, drawing a parallel between silence in the face of global atrocities and the absence of a president for over a year in Lebanon.
Questioning the conscience of Lebanese political leaders, he said: "The state is collapsing, citizens suffer, and the administration's paralysis reflects negatively on people's lives, causing Lebanon's image to decline further.”
He urged “hope in God alone,” stressing the need for divine intervention to bring salvation and stability to Lebanon.
Audi prayed for all those suffering globally and specifically mentioned two abducted bishops, Paul and Yohanna, appealing to God for their safe return.
Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo Paul Yazigi and Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syriac Orthodox Church were kidnapped 10 years ago while seeking the release of two abducted priests. The incident occurred on April 22, 2013, when the two clerics were attacked by unidentified armed men.
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